3rd Sunday of Lent Year C

• First Reading – Exodus 3:1-8A, 13-15: Moses encounters God in a burning bush at Horeb. Instructed to remove his sandals on holy ground, he is tasked to rescue Israelites from Egypt, armed with God’s name, “I AM.”
• Responsorial Psalm – Psalm 103: I praise the Lord for His kindness: forgiving sins, healing diseases, rescuing lives, and crowning with love. He is righteous, merciful, and gracious, with boundless mercy.
• Second Reading – 1 Corinthians 10:1-6, 10-12: Our forefathers, guided by a cloud and sea, were baptized into Moses, shared spiritual sustenance, and drank from Christ, the spiritual rock. Their failures in the wilderness warn us against evil cravings and complacency.
• Gospel – Luke 13:1-9: Jesus addressed the news of Galileans killed by Pilate, emphasizing that suffering isn’t directly linked to personal sinfulness. He called for repentance to avoid a similar fate. He then told a parable of a barren fig tree; a gardener sought more time to nurture it, symbolizing God’s patience and call for repentance.

If your parish is doing the RCIA scrutinies, use the readings for Year A instead.

The 3rd Sunday of Lent Year C helps us reflect on God’s call, repentance, and growth. The readings from Exodus, Corinthians, and Luke guide us to understand our faith journey better.

• God’s Call to Moses: In Exodus, God calls Moses from the burning bush. This shows that God reaches out to guide and lead His people.
• God’s Promise of Freedom: God promises to free the Israelites from slavery in Egypt. This reminds us that God is always working to free us from our own sins and struggles.
• Warnings Against Idolatry: In Corinthians, Paul warns against idol worship and turning away from God. This teaches us to stay faithful and avoid things that take us away from God.
• Importance of Repentance: Jesus in Luke speaks about the need to repent. He warns that without repentance, we will perish, showing the importance of turning back to God.
• God’s Patience: The parable of the fig tree in Luke highlights God’s patience. He gives us time to change and grow in faith, but we must respond.
• Fruitfulness in Faith: The fig tree parable also teaches about bearing fruit. We are called to live fruitful lives, showing our faith through actions.
• God’s Presence in Hard Times: The readings remind us that God is with us in difficult times. Like He was with the Israelites, He supports and guides us through our challenges.
• Community and Accountability: Paul speaks to the Corinthians about learning from their ancestors’ mistakes. This shows the importance of community and holding each other accountable in our faith.

Reflecting on these themes during the 3rd Sunday of Lent Year C helps deepen our understanding of God’s presence and our need for repentance. The readings guide us to live more faithfully and trust in God’s promises.

See the Homilies and Reflections section and the More Thoughts section for further expansion on these readings and some reflection questions for the 5th Sunday in Ordinary Time Year C.

Bad Stuff: A Lesson Plan on Suffering and Evil

On the 3rd Sunday of Lent Year C, the Gospel reading from Luke 13:1-9 teaches that suffering and evil are not punishments from God. Jesus uses recent tragic events to explain that bad things happen, but they are not a result of sin. He urges us to stay in a right relationship with God, repent, and bear fruit in our lives.

When we encounter suffering, we should take action if possible, forgive others, and seek God’s help to turn our sorrow into something good for His Kingdom. This lesson helps us understand how to respond to suffering with faith and compassion.

Receive the Sacrament of Reconciliation (Confession)

On the 3rd Sunday of Lent Year C, the Gospel reading emphasizes repentance. Consider going to the Sacrament of Reconciliation as a family or with your youth group to receive God’s grace. Afterward, celebrate this special moment together by sharing a meal or enjoying an activity.

This practice helps us respond to Jesus’ call for repentance and strengthens our bond with God and each other.

Newspaper Tower Challenge Game

On the 3rd Sunday of Lent Year C, the Gospel mentions a tower falling, which can be a theme for the Newspaper Tower Challenge Game. In this teambuilding activity, groups of youth get limited supplies and time to build the tallest newspaper tower.

This game encourages creativity and teamwork while connecting to the Gospel’s lesson about unexpected events and the importance of a strong foundation.

See More Lenten Ideas

For the 3rd Sunday of Lent Year C, explore specific ideas for practicing prayer, fasting, and almsgiving during the Lenten season. These three pillars help us grow closer to God and serve others. The article offers over 75 suggestions, including simple acts of kindness, dedicating time for prayer, and making small sacrifices.

Embrace these practices to deepen your faith and respond to Jesus’ call for repentance in the Gospel.

• Make Blessing Bags for the Homeless
• Post a Religious Message to Social Media

Praise the Goodness of God

On the 3rd Sunday of Lent Year C, we reflect on God’s goodness and mercy through Psalm 103, the responsorial psalm. This psalm praises God for His forgiveness, presence, and renewal in our lives. It acknowledges His justice and mercy, reminding us that He calls us back when we stray. Despite knowing our weaknesses and failures, God loves us deeply and offers us freedom.

See a prayer of Gratitude and Peace based on Psalm 103

Who is God?

In his homily for the 3rd Sunday of Lent Year C, Bishop Robert Barron discusses Moses’ encounter with God in the burning bush from Exodus. God reveals Himself as “I am who I am,” showing that He is not one of many gods but the very essence of being. God is both intimately close and infinitely beyond our understanding. He calls Moses to recognize His presence and holiness.

Bishop Barron explains that God wants to draw near to us, making us more radiant and beautiful, just as He did with Moses.

The 3rd Sunday of Lent Year C brings us readings that emphasize God’s call to free us, the importance of staying faithful, and the need to bear fruit in our lives. These reflections help us understand how God works in our lives, the dangers of idolatry, and the patience God shows as we strive to live out our faith.

God’s Promise of Freedom

In the first reading for the 3rd Sunday of Lent Year C, God promises to free the Israelites from slavery in Egypt. This powerful message shows that God is always working to set us free from our own struggles and sins. Just as He heard the cries of the Israelites, He hears our cries too.

God’s promise to free the Israelites reminds us that He is always aware of our difficulties. He sees our hardships and is ready to help us. This reading encourages us to trust in God’s plan for our lives.

We often feel trapped by our own sins and problems. Like the Israelites in Egypt, we might think there is no escape. But God’s promise shows that there is always hope.

God’s action in freeing the Israelites is a reminder of His constant love and care. He did not forget His people, and He does not forget us. We are called to trust in His timing and His ways.

Reflecting on this reading during the 3rd Sunday of Lent Year C helps us remember that God is always at work in our lives. He wants to free us from whatever holds us back. We are encouraged to place our trust in Him and follow His lead.

Staying Faithful

In the second reading for the 3rd Sunday of Lent Year C, Paul warns against idol worship and turning away from God. He reminds us to stay faithful and avoid anything that takes us away from God. This message is crucial for our spiritual journey.

Paul uses examples from history to teach the Corinthians. He reminds them of the mistakes their ancestors made. This helps us see the importance of learning from the past.

Idolatry is not just about worshiping statues. It includes anything that we place above God in our lives. This could be money, power, or even our own desires.

Paul’s warning is a call to examine our lives. We need to identify and remove anything that distracts us from God. Staying faithful means putting God first in everything we do.

Reflecting on this reading during the 3rd Sunday of Lent Year C encourages us to remain true to our faith. By avoiding idols, we stay focused on our relationship with God. This helps us grow spiritually and live a more faithful life.

Bearing Fruit

The parable of the fig tree in the Gospel reading for the 3rd Sunday of Lent Year C highlights God’s patience. Jesus tells us that God gives us time to change and grow in faith. However, we must respond to this opportunity.

The fig tree in the parable had not produced fruit for three years. The owner wanted to cut it down, but the gardener asked for more time. This shows that God is patient with us, giving us time to repent and improve.

The gardener’s request for more time is a reminder that we are given chances to change. God does not give up on us easily. He waits for us to bear fruit in our lives.

Bearing fruit means living out our faith through good actions. It is not enough to simply believe; we must also act on our beliefs. This includes helping others, being kind, and living according to God’s will.

Reflecting on this parable during the 3rd Sunday of Lent Year C reminds us of God’s patience and our responsibility. We are called to use the time we are given wisely. By responding to God’s call and bearing fruit, we show our faith through our actions.

Reflecting on the readings for the 3rd Sunday of Lent Year C, we see God’s desire to free us from our struggles, His warning against turning away, and His call to live fruitful lives. By understanding and applying these lessons, we can grow in our faith and strengthen our relationship with God.

Prayer

Dear Lord, thank You for Your constant presence and guidance. Help us to trust in Your promise of freedom, stay faithful to You, and bear good fruit in our lives. Grant us the strength to follow Your path. Amen.

• How does God’s promise to free the Israelites relate to your own life struggles?
• What are some “idols” in your life that might be distracting you from God?
• How can you stay faithful to God in your daily life?
• What does repentance mean to you, and how can you practice it?
• How do you see God’s patience in your own life?
• What are some ways you can bear fruit and show your faith through actions?
• How can you help others who feel trapped by their own struggles?
• What steps can you take to remove distractions and focus more on God?
• How does the parable of the fig tree challenge you to change and grow?
• In what ways can your faith community support each other in staying faithful and bearing fruit?

The music selections for the 3rd Sunday of Lent Year C focus on themes of repentance, God’s mercy, and faithfulness. Songs about returning to God and seeking His forgiveness fit well with the readings that call for repentance. Hymns that speak of God’s kindness and mercy echo the message of His patience and desire for us to bear fruit. Music that emphasizes trust in God and responding to His call reminds us of His promise to free us from our struggles. These songs help us reflect on our journey of faith and God’s constant presence in our lives.

• Ashes to Ashes by Dan Schutte
• Be Still by David Kauffman
• Christ is Made the Sure Foundation
• Come Alive/Dry Bones by Lauren Daigle
• Come as You Are by Crowder
• Down to the River to Pray by Alison Krauss
• From Dust We Came, to Dust Return by Scot Crandal & Michael Joncas
• Gather Your People / Lord Have Mercy by Bob Hurd
• Here I Am, Lord by Dan Schutte
• Holy Ground by John Michael Talbot
• I Heard the Voice of Jesus Say by The Hillbilly Thomists
• Lead Me Home by Matt Maher
• One Love Released by Bob Frenzel & Kevin Keil
• Psalm 103: The Lord Is Kind and Merciful by Rick Modlin
• Remain in Me, I Am the Vine by Steve Angrisano
• Remember Your Love by Darryl Ducote & Gary Daigle
• Rise From the Ashes by Craig Colson
• Sacred Silence by Tom Booth
• Save Your People by Jim Farrell
• Somebody’s Knocking at Your Door
• Sometimes by Step by Rich Mullins
• The Lord Is Kind and Merciful by Craig Colson and Kristen Colson
• The Lord Is Kind and Merciful (Psalm 103) by Marty Haugen
• There’s a Wideness in God’s Mercy / Be Merciful by Ed Bolduc
• These Alone Are Enough by the St. Louis Jesuits
• We Come to You by Josh Blakesley
• What Wondrous Love is This by The Hillbilly Thomists
• Where There Is Love by Bob Hurd
• You Are Welcome Here by Chris Muglia

Music directors and musicians are encouraged to explore these selections for the 3rd Sunday of Lent Year C. These pieces can help the congregation connect with the themes of the readings. Share your own music choices in the comments to inspire others and create a rich, meaningful worship experience.

What date is the 3rd Sunday of Lent Year C?

The next date is Sunday March 23, 2025.
For other years see the links below:
3rd Sunday of Lent Year A
3rd Sunday of Lent Year B

What are the Mass readings for the 3rd Sunday of Lent Year C?

The Mass readings for Sunday March 23, 2025 are:
First Reading – Exodus 3:1-8A, 13-15: Moses and the Burning Bush
Responsorial Psalm – Psalm 103: Celebrating God’s Mercy
Second Reading – 1 Corinthians 10:1-6, 10-12: Lessons from Forefathers’ Faith
Gospel – Luke 13:1-9: Call to Repentance and Parable of the Fig Tree
If your parish is doing the RCIA scrutinies, use the readings for Year A instead.

Why did God tell Moses His name in the first reading for the 3rd Sunday of Lent Year C?

God told Moses His name, “I AM,” to show that He is always present. It helps us understand that God is always with us.

What is the burning bush in Exodus?

The burning bush is how God spoke to Moses. It shows that God can use anything to get our attention and call us to serve Him.

How can we apply the story of the burning bush to our lives?

The story of the burning bush shows that God can call us in unexpected ways. We should be open to hearing God’s call in our own lives.

What does Paul mean by idolatry in the second reading for the 3rd Sunday of Lent Year C?

Idolatry means worshiping something other than God. Paul warns us to stay focused on God and not let other things take His place.

What is the message about community in 1 Corinthians?

Paul reminds the Corinthians to learn from the past and support each other. This shows the importance of helping each other stay faithful.

Why does Jesus talk about repentance in the Gospel for the 3rd Sunday of Lent Year C?

Jesus talks about repentance to show its importance. Without repentance, we cannot grow closer to God.

What is the lesson of the fig tree parable in Luke?

The fig tree parable teaches that God is patient and gives us time to change. It also reminds us that we need to show our faith through good actions.

What does “bearing fruit” mean in the fig tree parable?

“Bearing fruit” means showing our faith through good deeds. It is about living a life that reflects our beliefs.

How does the 3rd Sunday of Lent Year C readings help us understand God’s patience?

The readings, especially the fig tree parable, show God’s patience with us. God gives us chances to repent and grow in faith.

How do the 3rd Sunday of Lent Year C readings teach us about repentance?

The readings emphasize the need to repent and turn back to God. They remind us that repentance is essential for a faithful life.